WASHINGTON (CNN) –- Tax cuts for the middle class. An extension of unemployment benefits and healthcare coverage for people “who have lost their jobs.” And a pledge to “do whatever it takes to put this country back to work.”

President Obama used his first prime-time news conference Monday to sell Americans on his economic recovery plan as well as pressure Congress to act quickly and approve it so that money can start pumping into the ailing economy.

Obama employed perhaps one of the most powerful tools in his arsenal –- the White House bully pulpit. Every major broadcast and cable outlet carried his opening remarks and the news conference.

The president has a lot of work ahead of him as he tries to convince Americans that this proposal is the appropriate jolt the economy needs. A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll released just hours earlier showed that 54 percent of Americans support the stimulus bill that passed the Senate, while 45 percent oppose it.

soundoff(113 Responses)

This Stimulus Bill STINKS!!!......there is very little in here to help the HOUSING CRISIS!!!

Stop focusing on your own agendas and do what is right for Americans, and stop WASTING OUR MONEY!!!!

February 9, 2009 08:26 pm at 8:26 pm |

shannon

The question about Iran was annoying, we are all watching to hear about the stimulus package, what President Obama's plans are, what he wants, tuff questions from the press are needed to keep everyone informed, and this woman stands up and changes the subject on the 2nd question. Yes, Iran is important, it's not important tonight.

February 9, 2009 08:27 pm at 8:27 pm |

MikeH

Mark Preston is a Republican boot-licking toady.

CNN wants America to fall into abject bankruptcy so that the Plutocrats can take over.

February 9, 2009 08:28 pm at 8:28 pm |

Mark

Why do I care if roads are fixed under the stimulus when banks gave bad mortgages to many American's making them go bankrupt?? What the hell is that about??

February 9, 2009 08:29 pm at 8:29 pm |

The Watcher

He's using hypnosis with those weird eyes of his. Don't look at 'em.

February 9, 2009 08:29 pm at 8:29 pm |

Worried Democrat

The President says we have two options DO NOTHING or DO SOMETHING.

Well how about DOING THE SMART THING, INSTEAD OF JUST ACTING LIKE CHICKENS WITH OUT HEADS CUT OFF.

We're not against a SMART STIMULUS BILL.....we are just AGAINST A BAD STIMULUS BILL.

February 9, 2009 08:29 pm at 8:29 pm |

Steve

This salesman would disappoint even Henry Miller !

February 9, 2009 08:30 pm at 8:30 pm |

Jean

He sounds weak, like he is still on the campaign trail.

Some people are good campaigners.

February 9, 2009 08:32 pm at 8:32 pm |

Rick

quit trying to sell me a debt that my kids and grandkids will have to pay off, what a pile of crap that I bankrupt my kids.

Congress saw all this and they were democrates, why didnt they fix it then, because they would not deal with a repoblican president, so why should the republicans play with a democrate run government, vote them all out and put a businessman in charge,

Obama, you been looking to spend money before you got in

February 9, 2009 08:32 pm at 8:32 pm |

Mark

This is just socialism. It will fail as socialism has failed before.

February 9, 2009 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |

Proud American

I think the term "Salesman in Chief" Is very disrespectful.

February 9, 2009 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |

obama all the way

Dear Mr. President Obama, i trust you completely, i believe your plan will work, it doesn't matter to me what you call your plan, it can be socialism, it can be called helping Americans, it can be called anything, it doesn't matter what people call it, we just need help, and we need it now, we help other countries when they are desperate, now the U.S. IS DESPERATE, thank you Presidenr Obama for your wisdom.

February 9, 2009 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |

Mark

Do you really believe that $1000 to families in certain economic brackets will change our way of living? Will that really make the market get back on track? Oh..and are we going to become pals with Iran–good luck!!

February 9, 2009 08:33 pm at 8:33 pm |

susanspics

A president who will get out there and actually answering questions? Actually explaining to us what's happening? INTELLIGENTLY?

I was totally shocked when I walked into the room to this, and that's sad. Thank you Obama!

February 9, 2009 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |

houstonian girl

it is amazing how president Obama can explain the economy with such simplicity that even average Joe and Jane can understand it . such a breath of fresh air. We need a stimulus plan that works to put people to work ...why do some have a problem with reconstruction of federal buildings , schools and roads ..is that all around beneficial.

February 9, 2009 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |

Griff

You were doing all the Shouting a year ago. About the Big Bad Wolf Republican... Now because you fixed an election you want their help.... You blaim everyone but yourself.... But it is you that is the Problem.... Go away Obama... Kwenda Sasa...

February 9, 2009 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |

george

socialism came back to America. Karl Marx lives in the white house now.

February 9, 2009 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |

Mark

Obama...speak a little faster and answer faster so you don't put your listeners to sleep!!

February 9, 2009 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |

C. Rhyne

President Obama, you rock my world! You have my total support and I will do my part to help America! America is my country and where i and my family live. It is only in my best interest to try and help my country survive in these trying times! We do not have time to take political sides, we can't, we have to work together to put OUR country back together!

February 9, 2009 08:36 pm at 8:36 pm |

Brandon

Salesman-in-Chief! haha that's perfect!

I'm ready for change!!!! Not the same old blame game!!!

Follow through Obama!

February 9, 2009 08:37 pm at 8:37 pm |

fearful for my country

Yada yada yada. This man opens his mouth and useless crap comes flying out. I hope he doesn't bend over or we'll get more than we bargained for.

February 9, 2009 08:37 pm at 8:37 pm |

Brain Gorla

What is he talking about?
He's rambling.
Now we can see why he doesn't like a town hall format.

February 9, 2009 08:38 pm at 8:38 pm |

Mark

Great ideas! As usual–nothing will happen!

February 9, 2009 08:39 pm at 8:39 pm |

Phoebe Caulfield

The President did a great job of quailing away any republican arguments against his plan. Great job. If the republicans try and obstruct him any further from fixing America they will never be elected to public office again or possibly burned at the stake.